Eligibility note: BRIDGE Proof of Concept is only for early-career researchers based at a Swiss research institution, which must host and support the project. Researchers working in Africa can’t apply unless they’re hosted by a Swiss institution. See the related opportunities open to Africans at the end.
BRIDGE, a joint programme of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF) and Innosuisse, funds early-career researchers who want to turn their research into an innovative product or service. A Proof of Concept grant covers your salary and project costs for 12 months, up to CHF 130,000.
The next submission deadline is 1 December 2026 at 5pm Swiss time (40th call).
At a Glance
| Funders | Swiss National Science Foundation and Innosuisse (BRIDGE) |
| Grant | Up to CHF 130,000 for 12 months (salary and project costs) |
| Who can apply | Early-career researchers hosted by a Swiss research institution |
| Next deadline | 1 December 2026, 5pm Swiss time (40th call) |
| Interviews | 9–10 February 2027 for the 40th call |
| Decision | Usually within three months of submission |
Benefits
- Funding for 12 months covering your salary and expenses directly related to the project, up to CHF 130,000.
- Support to join Innosuisse’s Entrepreneurship Training programme, plus recommended Initial Coaching and intellectual property services.
- A chance to move your research from the lab towards a real product or service.
Eligibility
- You completed a bachelor’s or master’s degree with research experience within the last four years, or you’ll finish your PhD within the next six months, or you got your PhD within the last four years.
- Your host is a Swiss research institution, which will support you throughout the project.
- You apply as an individual, not as a group, and you’ll work full time on the project.
- The project builds on your own research, or research you contributed substantially to, and aims to develop an innovative product or service.
- Projects that are only about research aren’t supported. You need a clear implementation plan.
- You can’t apply while you’re still studying for your bachelor’s or master’s degree.
How to Apply
- Read the official BRIDGE Proof of Concept regulations and checklist.
- Create your mySNF account at least two weeks before the deadline.
- Get the confirmation letter from your host institution, signed by both the head of your research group and the head of the department or institution.
- Submit your proposal at bridge.mysnf.ch using the official templates before 1 December 2026, 5pm Swiss time.
- Stay available after the deadline: you’ll have two days to fix any problems found in the initial check.
- If you’re shortlisted, you’ll pitch your project to the evaluation panel in an interview.
Official BRIDGE Proof of Concept page
The 2027 submission dates haven’t been published yet. BRIDGE says they’ll be announced in the autumn.
